One week diet

Michael van Straten’s seven-day diet is different. For one week only and not more than three times a year, you can lose 7lbs in seven days. Each morning add one measure of herbal Pure Plan (£12.95 for 150ml, from health stores) to 1 litre (1¾ pt) water, and finish it by the end of the day. Pure Plan helps fluid elimination, stimulates metabolism and aids digestion. Also, take 1 tsp (5ml) herbal Bio-Strath Elixer (£10.75 for 250ml) before each meal, and a daily Genesis multi-vitamin with extra iron (£4.45 for 30). Drink water, herbal tea, unsweetened juice and weak tea.

DAY 1Breakfast
Half a grapefruit, one poached egg and two poached tomatoes.

Main meal
Large bowl of thinly sliced cucumber with lots of black pepper, cider vinegar and 1 tsp of extra-virgin olive oil, and a portion of stir-fried vegetables served on a bed of plain boiled rice.

Main meal
Bowl of vegetable soup, plus a large red or yellow pepper stuffed with rice and a generous portion of lightly cooked spinach, chopped, with a drizzle of olive oil and a clove of crushed garlic.

Main meal
Cubes of chicken, beef, lamb or tofu stir-fried with mixed vegetables and noodles. Fruit salad with low-fat live yogurt flavoured with the zest of a lemon, ¼ tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp honey and 2 fresh mint leaves.

DAY 7Breakfast
One boiled egg and one slice of wholemeal toast, very thinly scraped with butter. Plus, a glass of fresh, unsweetened juice.

Light meal
Salad of red radicchio and chicory leaves with grilled mushrooms, a wholemeal roll, an apple and a pear.

Main meal
Salad of pink grapefruit and melon with low-fat fromage frais. Grilled salmon steak with boiled potatoes and a green vegetable. Plus, a matchbox-sized portion of low-fat cheese with a stick of celery.

Michael van Straten, who has practices in Buckinghamshire and London, presents LBC radio’s health programme, Bodytalk, and regularly guests on TV shows. This diet is just one of the weight-loss plans in Michael’s new book, The Little Black Dress Diet (Kyle Cathie, £7.99).

If you have health problems, it’s wise to consult your GP before starting a diet and taking supplements